Birds & Wildlife
Why It's Important to Feed Birds in Winter
Winter Is Tough on Birds
Winter is a hard season, but many people think that wild birds manage just fine, no matter how nasty it is outside. After all, aren't wild birds supposed to be out in the cold and snow? They are, but it's not easy for them. Here are a couple of reasons why feeding birds in the winter is so important. 1 of them may surprise you.
Natural Food Sources Are Often Scarce
To us, ice storms are usually an inconvenience. To birds, they're deadly. Ice coats seeds and berries, keeping birds from eating them. If the ice sticks around for 2 or 3 days, birds can starve to death. At those times, bird feeders are often their only source of food. Also, with increasing development, there are simply fewer trees and flowers that produce the food to which wild birds have adapted. That's why filling your bird feeders with bird food that has high fat content -- such as suet, sunflower seeds, and peanuts -- can help birds conserve energy when they need it most.
Feeding Birds Can Help People
If you live where winters are long and cold, you know what it feels like to be cooped up for days. Watching the different kinds of birds visiting your feeders can keep you entertained for hours. Nature Centers have big picture windows where people can watch birds eating. They're popular attractions. You can put on your own show with your own feeders. Maybe you'll even see a rare bird drop by for a visit. Also, many people feel that they're doing their part to help nature when they put out bird feeders. In fact, sales of bird food often go up just before winter storms. No matter your reason for feeding birds, they certainly appreciate it.
